New Upper Hunter RFS facilities desperately needed

The State Government says the facilities for volunteer firefighters at Bulga in the Upper Hunter are "unworkable" and it is time the problem is fixed.

Police and Emergency Services Minister and Minister for the Hunter, Michael Gallacher, says work will start soon on Singleton and Muswellbrook's joint Rural Fire Service control centre.

The plans were first mooted nearly a decade ago and residents are angry it has taken so long to come to fruition.

Mr Gallacher visited the Putty Road site last month and says there is no doubt the new $3 million facility is needed.

"You've got a series of demountables, all put together, and of course the increased nature of the work that they are doing in that area with so much forest, and so much national park around them, it really is quite unworkable," he said.

"The control centre, that has been provided for in the budget and work is underway.

"When I met with the local firefighters there, I've got to say they were very happy.

"They've been waiting a long time."

At the weekend, Mr Gallacher opened an $800,000 refurbishment of the Tea Gardens fire station, and says both upgrades are important.

"They've been waiting a long time and, like Tea Gardens, despite the fact that we are having to tighten the budget, we're also recognising that there are projects that need to be progressed," he said.

"We're getting on with that job.

"The work's already commenced.

"It was already provided for in the budget.

"Talking to the firefighters that were there, they were pretty pleased with what was going to be in place for them."

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